This is, in the parlance of its setting, a cracking good read. Set in 1912, it has a pleasantly dark cast throughout the whole story, giving the readeThis is, in the parlance of its setting, a cracking good read. Set in 1912, it has a pleasantly dark cast throughout the whole story, giving the reader the impression of hunting madness alongside Sebastien in the Smoke. There's an authenticity to "The Bedlam Detective" that belies some of the more extreme plot points - the characters don't come off as modern people in fancy historical dress. From Sebastien's casual dismissal of native cultures to the imperial fancies of Sir Owain, the impression the reader gets is purely early twentieth century.

While the mystery was enough to keep me turning pages, it was the overall atmosphere that had me finishing this in a matter of a few hours (a rare occurrence for a full-time bookseller and part-time student). The descriptions of the ill-fated Amazon voyage that put all the players into motion is so ineffably creepy, and there is a point towards the end of that part of the tale that I don't want to spoil, but it genuinely made my skin crawl in horror.

It's certainly not High Literature, but it is a damned good read, and I have high hopes for a series....more

Not great, not bad. Not particularly memorable either. The most note-worthy part is the use of the second person, and I'm not entirely convinced it paNot great, not bad. Not particularly memorable either. The most note-worthy part is the use of the second person, and I'm not entirely convinced it particularly added to the narrative. It's a quick read though, and good for the beach or a car ride....more